This weekend, Circuit of the Americas ( COTA ) in Austin, Texas hosts Formula 1 as the series makes its sole United States appearance. COTA has become a driver’s favorite despite being a Tilke-influenced circuit as it features “a little bit of everything” according to many drivers. With dry weather in the forecast, 2016 looks to be much more conventional than 2015’s rain-soaked weekend.
McLaren Honda are hoping to a return to form after a very disappointing home Grand Prix in Japan. They do expect both cars to be contenders for points as they continue to optimize recent upgrades.
Elsewhere on the grid, it’s do or die time for Lewis Hamilton as he needs to win in order to have a chance of catching teammate Nico Rosberg. Expect Red Bull and Ferrari to be duking it out for the last spot on the podium while Force India and Williams both look to put themselves solidly in the top ten.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1: Friday October 21st, 11:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 2: Friday October 21st, 3:00PM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3: Saturday October 22nd, 11:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying: Saturday October 23rd, 12:30PM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race: Sunday October 24th, 2:30PM
EST
,
NBC
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.513km (3.426 miles)
Race laps: 56
Race distance: 308.728km (191.835 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’39.347 (199.773 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2012
Fastest lap: 1’35.657 (207.479 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2012
Maximum speed: 314kph (195.11 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and longest straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 280m
Car performance
Full throttle: 49%
Longest flat-out section: 1090m
Downforce level: Medium
Gear changes per lap: 54
Fuel use per lap: 1.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.072s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 23.537s by Red Bull (see full list)
2016 prime tyre: Medium (2015: Medium)
2016 option tyre: Soft & Supersoft (2015: Soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2015 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Nico Rosberg, 1:56.824
Race laps: 56
Fast race lap: Nico Rosberg, 1:40.666
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
2. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
CURRENT
STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg, 313
2. Lewis Hamilton, 280
3. Daniel Ricciardo, 212
4. Kimi Raikkonen, 170
5. Max Verstappen, 165
6. Sebastian Vettel, 165
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 583
2. Red Bull, 385
3. Ferrari, 335
4. Force India, 134
5. Williams, 124
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